Removing the refrigerator door Ariston may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal cleaning behind the seal to completely replacing the hinges or the door itself. Many owners are afraid to take on this task themselves for fear of damaging the mechanism or breaking the seal. However, with the right approach, the process is no more complicated than replacing a bicycle wheel - the main thing is to know the sequence of actions and take into account the features of a particular model.
In this article we will examine step-by-step algorithm door removal for most models Ariston (including popular series Hotpoint-Ariston, MB, MBA i RBA), indicate necessary tools, warn against common mistakes and give recommendations for reinstallation. We will pay special attention nuances of two-chamber refrigeratorswhere the upper and lower doors are removed in different ways.
If your refrigerator is still warranty, check the service conditions - some manufacturers will void the warranty if you repair it yourself. For models older than 5 years, dismantling the door with your own hands is often the only economically viable solution, especially if the seal or hinges need to be replaced.
Preparation for work: tools and safety measures
Before you begin dismantling, prepare the workspace and tools. You will need:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) - for most hinge screws.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver - can be useful for prying up decorative plugs.
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure — to measure the gaps during reinstallation.
- 🧲 Magnet or bowl —for collecting small screws and parts.
- 🧴 Silicone grease (optional)—for processing hinges after cleaning.
Required unplug the refrigerator 1-2 hours before starting work. This is not only a safety issue, but also an opportunity to avoid condensation on the seal, which can complicate dismantling. If the door is heavy (for example, on models with No Frost), ask an assistant to support it during removal - this will prevent it from falling and damaging the floor or the door itself.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Ariston (for example, Hotpoint-Ariston HBM 1322) the upper hinge is fixed not only with screws, but also with a hidden locking ring. If you do not notice it, you can break the fastening when you forcefully try to remove the door.
If your refrigerator is equipped display or electronic control unit on the door, before dismantling, take a photo of the location of the wires and connectors. This will make it easier to reconnect. For models with ice maker or water dispenser (for example, Ariston MBA 2201), it may be necessary to disconnect the flexible hoses - prepare a rag to collect the remaining water.
Determining the type of door fastening: top vs bottom hinge
The design of refrigerator hinges Ariston depends on the model and year of manufacture. The main options:
- 🔄 Removable upper hinge —the door is removed upwards after unscrewing the screws (typical for most single-chamber models).
- 🔽 Lower axis of rotation —the door rises up and is removed from the lower pin (found in two-chamber refrigerators).
- 🔀 Combined fastening —both the upper and lower hinges are fixed with screws (for example, at Ariston RBA 20).
To determine the type of fastening of your model, inspect the hinges:
- Open door 90 degrees and look under the top hinge - if there are screws there, they will need to be unscrewed.
- Look at the bottom hinge: if a metal pin is visible, the door is removed upwards.
- For some models (for example, Hotpoint-Ariston TLAA 10) the bottom hinge is closed decorative cover - you need to carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.
| Refrigerator type | Model range | Door fastening type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Ariston MBA, MBI | Removable top hinge | The door is removed after unscrewing 2-3 screws |
| Double-chamber (freezer from below) | Ariston RBA, RBB | Bottom axis + top screws | Door support required during removal |
| Side-by-Side | Hotpoint-Ariston HSS | Combined | Two hinges on each door, difficult access to screws |
For models Ariston released after 2018, the top hinge is often equipped with a plastic plug that masks the screws. It can be removed by prying it from the side with a flat screwdriver - do not try to unscrew it, it is not a screw!
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the door from a single-chamber Ariston refrigerator
Let's look at the process using the example of a popular one. model Ariston MBA 2200. For other single-chamber refrigerators, the algorithm will be similar with minor adjustments.
Step 1. Removing the top hinge
- Open the door 45–60 degrees for easy access to the hinge.
- Remove decorative cover (if any) by prying it off with a flat screwdriver.
- Unscrew all the screws with a Phillips screwdriver (usually 2-3 pieces).
Do not lose the screws - they may differ in length!
Step 2. Removing the door
- Close the door all the way, but do not apply force.
- Carefully lift the door up 5-10 mm - it should jump off the bottom pin.
- Remove the door and place it on a soft surface (for example, a towel) so as not to scratch.
Unplugged from the mains|A place for the door has been prepared|Screws and parts are placed in a bowl|An assistant is ready to support the door (if heavy)-->
Step 3. Removing the bottom hinge (if necessary)
If you need to completely remove the hinge (for example, for replacement), unscrew the screws from the bottom. Be careful - in some models it is hidden under the hinge. Do not pull the hinge by force if you feel resistance! temperature sensor cable. Do not forcefully pull on the loop if you feel resistance!
Features of removing the door on two-chamber Ariston refrigerators
Two-chamber models (for example, Ariston RBA 20 or Hotpoint-Ariston BDFS 242) have more complex design. Here the upper and lower doors are removed in different ways, and sometimes the middle partition needs to be dismantled.
Upper door (refrigerator compartment):
- 🔧 Unscrew the screws of the upper hinge (usually 2-3 pieces).
- 🔄 Lift the door up and remove from the bottom pin.
- ⚠️ Be careful with light wires —they need to be disconnected before complete removal.
Bottom door (freezer camera):
- 🔧 First remove the top door - otherwise access to the bottom hinge screws will be blocked.
- 🔽 Unscrew the bottom hinge screws (may be hidden under the decorative panel).
- 🧊 If the door is “frozen” to the body, use hair dryer for defrosting the seal (temperature no higher than 50°C).
⚠️ Attention: For models with No Frost (for example, Ariston RBB 26>) there is a air ductbetween the doors. When removing the bottom door, you may accidentally damage it - proceed carefully!
If your refrigerator is equipped with water dispenser, before removing the door, turn off the water supply and drain the residue from the hoses. Otherwise, when the door is tilted, water may flood the electronic unit.
What to do if the hinge screws do not unscrew?
If the screws are “stuck” or rusty, use WD-40 or a similar lubricant. Apply the product, wait 10-15 minutes and try again. Do not use excessive force - a stripped screw will make reassembly more difficult. As a last resort, you can drill out the screw with a drill, but this will require replacing the hinge.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common:
- 🔨 Using inappropriate tools - a screwdriver of the wrong size can tear off the screw slots. Always make sure the bit matches the screw size.
- 🚪 Abruptly removing the door —if you do not lift it before removing it from the pin, you can bend the hinge or damage the seal.
- 🔌 Ignoring the wires — in models with a display or backlight, they often forget to disconnect the connectors, which leads to wire breaks.
- 🧊 Work without defrosting - if the seal is frozen to the body, forcefully removing the door can break it.
Another common problem is mixed-up screws during reassembly. The top and bottom hinge screws may vary in length. If you put a long screw in the top hinge, it will rest against the plastic case and crack it.
If, after removing the door, you find rust on hinges, clean it with fine sandpaper and treat it with silicone grease. This will extend the life of the mechanism and prevent squeaking when opening.
Reinstalling the door: nuances and adjustments
Installing the door is done in the reverse order, but there are several critical points:
- Check the seal —it must be clean and dry. If necessary, wash it with warm water and soap and dry it.
- Place the door on the lower pin and only then tighten the top loop. Make sure that the door sits evenly, without distortions.
- Adjust the gaps —there should be a uniform gap of 2-3 mm around the entire perimeter between the door and the body. If the gap is larger on one side, loosen the screws and adjust the position.
After installation, check:
- 🔄 Smooth operation —the door should open without creaking or jamming.
- 🧲 Tightness —attach a sheet of paper to the seal and close the door. If the sheet falls out, the seal needs to be adjusted or replaced.
- 💡 Backlight operation —if it does not turn on, check the wire connections.
If the door is after installation opens spontaneously, this is a sign of improper adjustment of the hinges. Loosen the screws and tilt the door forward slightly (so that the top edge is closer to the body than the bottom).
⚠️ Attention: For models with electronic control (for example, Ariston RBB 26) after reversing the door, the door may become misaligned sensor calibration. In this case, you need to reset the settings through the service menu (instructions are in the user manual).
When is it better to contact a specialist
Although removing the door is a feasible task for most users, in some cases it is better to trust professionals:
- 🔧 If the hinge screws are broken or the hinges are deformed, it will be necessary replacement of parts, which often involves disassembling the case.
- 💻 If the refrigerator is equipped with a touch panel or a Wi-Fi module on the door, incorrectly disconnecting the wires can damage the electronic unit. touch panel or Wi-Fi module on the door - incorrectly disconnecting the wires can damage the electronic unit.
- 🧊 If the seal is damaged and requires replacement - for some models Ariston you need special adhesives and tools to install a new seal.
- 🔄 If the door is after being reinstalled does not close tightlyand adjusting the hinges does not help, the problem may be deformation housing.
The cost of professional dismantling/installation of the door in service centers ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (for 2026), depending on the model and complexity of the work. If your refrigerator is under warranty, contacting an authorized service center will be free.
Remember that incorrect door installation can lead to:
- Increased energy consumption (up to 20–30%) due to a violation tightness.
- Freezing of the seal and corrosion of the hinges.
- Failure of the compressor due to constant operation in overload mode.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the Ariston refrigerator door
Is it possible to remove the door without unscrewing the hinges completely?
No, for all models Ariston to remove the door you need to unscrew at least the top hinge. Partially loosening the screws will not provide the necessary clearance for dismantling. The exception is models with quick-release hinges (rare, usually in premium series).
How to remove the door if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, try heating the screw with a hair dryer (no higher than 100°C) - the metal will expand and the rust will weaken. As a last resort, the screw can be drilled out, but then the hinge will have to be replaced.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before removing the door?
It is advisable, especially if the seal is frozen to the body. It is enough to turn off the refrigerator 1–2 hours before work. If you don’t have time, you can use a hairdryer to locally heat the seal (keep it at a distance of 20–30 cm so as not to damage the plastic).
What to do if after installation the door does not close tightly?
First, check whether the seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter. If there are gaps, loosen the hinge screws and adjust the door position. If the seal is deformed, it must be replaced. For a temporary solution, you can use silicone grease to restore elasticity.
Is it possible to reverse the Ariston refrigerator door to the other side?
Yes, most models Ariston support reversing. To do this you need:
- Remove the door (as described above).
- Move the hinges to the other side (the holes are usually closed with plugs).
- Rearrange the handle (if it is not symmetrical).
- Adjust the gaps after installation.
Before rehanging, check whether there are technological holes for hinges on the other side of the case (on some models they are missing).